Abstract: A three dimensional construction element is provided having a plurality of strands of constant cross-sectional shape and constant cross-sectional diameter, each of said strands being a rigid, non-collapsible helix having at least two and one-half turns. The strands of the plurality of strands are interlocked so as to form a rigid, non collapsible, dimensionally and geometrically stable rosette in which the helix has a constant cross-sectioned diameter.

Abstract: A tactile and auditory puzzle is provided. The tactile and auditory puzzle includes an outer structure, an inner cavity contained within the outer structure, and an object contained within the inner cavity. A tactile and auditory puzzle set includes a plurality of tactile and auditory puzzles. A method of assaying cognitive ability is further provided, including the steps of providing to a user a tactile and auditory puzzle, instructing the user to describe properties of the puzzle, based on auditory and tactile information obtained by manipulating the puzzle, and comparing the user's description with known properties of the puzzle.

Abstract: A puzzle toy device having a plurality of "C"-shaped elements assembled together orthogonally, in three equal groups, to form a cubic structure. Each of the elements is provided with an opening therein to permit another element to pass therethrough. One of the groups of elements are formed together with their respective openings in alignment, while the other two groups of elements are assembled together with their openings alternating with respect to one another. A central link, in the group normal to the aligned openings is provided as a keyway which permits that element, and then subsequent elements to be backed off, thus providing a solution to the puzzle.

Abstract: An implantable bone distraction device for inducing controlled lengthening of at an osteotomy site. The device has two elongated plates which are operatively positioned to be substantially parallel and to overlap partially. Each of the plates includes a portion adapted for affixing the plates to respective bone segments. The first plate includes a plurality of parallel sawtooth ridges extending transverse from the long axis of the plate. The second plate includes at least one resilient pawl and at least one resilient ratchet arm. The pawl and arm are engageable with the ridges on the first plate. The ratchet arm responds to application of force on it by engaging with one of the ridges on the first plate and pushing the first plate away from the second plate in the direction of their common axes. The first bone segment is thus moved away from the second bone segment in the direction of the common axes of the plates in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel pedestal toy that includes a base-supported axle which includes at least two substantially circular rotatable members rotatably fitted thereon. The substantially circular rotatable members are rotatably engaged with each other such that when the pedestal toy is operated, one substantially circular rotatable member rotates, thereby rotating the other substantially circular rotatable member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel push toy that includes a handle having a main shaft connected to an axle which includes at least two substantially circular members rotatably fitted thereon. The substantially circular members are rotatably engaged with each other such that when the push-toy is pushed or pulled across a surface, the substantially circular member engaging the surface rotates, thereby rotating the other substantially circular member which is not engaged with the surface.

Abstract: A dental surveyor and method therefor for use in preoperative evaluation of the rotational and translational movements required for corrective surgery are disclosed. The dental surveyor has a movable stylus or scribe that can be selectively positioned with respect to articulated mandibular and/or maxillary dental models. When the models are articulated in the two positions representing the malocclusion and the proposed corrective occlusion, the movable stylus provides a means for marking and thereby visually identifying the relative locations of a point of anatomical interest in the two positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preoperative, horizontal plane evaluation of cases with anomalies of facial bilateral symmetry are disclosed. The required rotational and translational movements in the horizontal plane are obtained by means of a graphical technique in which the coordinate system data is derived from an articulated mandibular model.